GUWAHATI | No intention of annulling ‘371’, says Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the 68th Plenary session of North Eastern Council (NEC) in presence of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati.

Addressing the session, Shah said that the Centre has no intention of annulling Article 371, adding that Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was clearly temporary in nature but Article 371 is about special provisions.

“After the Modi government scrapped Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, some elements are trying to create confusion and assured that there will be no tinkering with the special provisions for the North East states. There is a vast difference between the two Articles” : Shah said.

Article 371 grants “special provisions” to 11 states, including six states of the North East. Shah’s assurance came after the opposition parties expressed apprehension that having rendered Article 370 irrelevant, the Modi government might move to abrogate Article 371.

Article 371 A is a Constitutional provision pertaining to Nagaland, while Article 371 (B) contains special provisions for Assam. Manipur is covered under 371(C), Sikkim has 371 (F), Mizoram is under 371(G) and 371 (H) pertains to Arunachal Pradesh.

During his visit, Shah met Chief Ministers and Governors of the eight North-eastern states to discuss issues pertaining to development in the region.